Integrating STEM in purposeful programming for those with Down syndrome

We are grateful to the Steinman Foundation and the Lancaster STEM Alliance for the STEM Mini Grants that we have received for our Playhouse. With the grant money, we were able to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into our purposeful programming at GiGi’s for those of all ages with Down syndrome. At least 100 participants with Down syndrome and their families benefitted from the STEM materials, activities, and field trips into the community. At GiGi’s, we believe that “Differences make us who we are”. To illustrate this, when working with participants, we use a multi-sensory and multi-modal approach. We strive to engage all the senses and teach in a variety of ways, using lots of repetition, such as say it, hear it, show it, read it, sing it, jump it, feel it, dance it, build it, taste it, smell it, observe it, whisper it, sign it, etc. We feel that incorporating STEM into our programs, offers our participants a multi-sensory approach to exploring and learning new concepts and experiences.

Participants in our early childhood programs had the opportunity to increase their STEM skills through repeated practice and exposure to STEM materials and activities, through using hands-on manipulatives, light tables, sensory tables, and lesson materials. They worked on learning mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and engineering design through play. They have enjoyed various lessons related to snow, ice, snowflakes, penguins, bugs, rainbows, farm, ocean, and more.

Participants at our Destination Discovery program have the opportunity to work on their scientific inquiry skills and increase their knowledge of STEM Careers by exposure to various STEM activities, books, science experiments and experiences, usually based around a monthly theme. At programs like Leaps and Bounds and Destination Discovery, participants had opportunities to dress up in clothes with related items to different careers and community helpers. Participants read books about community helpers and jobs. A favorite lesson was when we all dressed up like doctors and explored x-rays on the light table, blood in the sensory table, and various doctor tools.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about pumpkins and then carve pumpkins with their families to explore the insides of the pumpkin. Our programs at GiGi’s overall support family engagement by involving family members during programs, encouraging parents and siblings to participate with the child, to work on science experiments, sensory experiences, math lessons and art projects.

Participants in our 1:1 Math tutoring program have the opportunity to specifically work on mathematical reasoning skills in a 1:1 context at their individualized math level through manipulatives and adapted materials. They work to identify numbers, count with 1:1 correspondence, recognize patterns, add and subtract. In math tutoring, we use a multi-sensory approach to learning and strive to establish a sound foundation of basic number understanding. Our program was also able to purchase family engagement math packs to begin sending home with tutoring students to do at home throughout the week with families to strengthen their skills.

With the STEM mini grant funding, we were also able to expand our STEM Center in our newly renovated Playhouse. The STEM Center in our Playhouse gives participants the opportunity to work on their scientific inquiry and engineering design skills when they are exploring and playing in our STEM center with various blocks, building materials, light table, and colored manipulatives. We were able to expand on our building materials, animal play sets and manipulatives, giving opportunity for students to work individually or alongside peers, siblings, and volunteers on fine motor skills, social skills, active listening, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy.

At our Pancakes and Pajamas Christmas Party this past year, we were able to add a STEM station filled with Christmas-themed STEM activities. Some of the activities for participants to explore were a Domino train, Christmas puzzles, Christmas tree stackers, Christmas tree magnatiles with jingle bells, jingle bell magnet sensory bin, water filled Christmas ice cubes in a light table sensory bin.

Participants and a family member were able to participate in field trips into the community through our Destination Discovery program to visit different local STEM attractions: Lancaster Science Factory, North Museum, Hands On House, and Snapology.

At the Lancaster Science Factory, participants had the opportunity to make wind-powered cars, explore water, explore sand, explore rice, play with dinosaurs and more.

At the North Museum, participants had the chance to explore rocks under microscopes, look at reptiles, fossils, and more.

At Hands on House, participants explored various building materials, play centers, music and more.

At Snapology, participants used various building materials to be creative with Legos, magnet blocks, and more.

Thank you so much for giving our participants this opportunity to integrate STEM into their purposeful programming at GiGi’s!